Kid's Korner

Ring in winter with mice on ice, tiny trains, and a wannabe reindeer

By: Greg Ryan

NYACK CENTER Gingerbread Jamboree Dec. 6: Kick off the snow season with this celebration, which incorporates different aspects from winter’s major holidays. Kids can build their own gingerbread house, craft Kwanzaa centerpieces, let loose during the interactive solstice dance, or sing along to holiday tunes from all sorts of cultural traditions. $5. 1-3 p.m.Depew & Broadway, Nyack. 845-358-2600 or www.nyackcenter.org

GREENBURGH NATURE CENTER Trains — Your Ticket to the Great Outdoors Dec. 6-14: Tell the little conductors in your family to throw on their caps, toot their horns, and pull into this model train exhibit, which features an intricate 12-by-18-foot countryside terrain complete with mining cave tunnels, wooden bridges, and road crossings. Members of the Westchester Model Railroad Club will be present to give guests a close-up look at the little locomotives and answer any questions they may have. Mon.-Thurs. 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 10 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. $2 (other indoor exhibits not included in admission fee). 99 Dromore Rd., Scarsdale. 914-723-3470 or www.greenburghnaturecenter.org

LOCUST GROVE, THE SAMUEL MORSE HISTORIC SITE A Hunt For ’Twas The Night Before Christmas Dec. 7, 14 & 21: Not a creature is stirring? Not even a mouse? Something must be amiss in Samuel Morse’s old mansion, and it’s up to the youngsters attending the event to solve the Christmas-themed mystery. Traveling from room to room, participants use a clue-book to help them crack the case, then head to the Museum Pavilion to enjoy storyteller Lorraine Hartin-Gelardi’s rendition of ’Twas the Night Before Christmas and other holiday tales (not to mention hot cider and cookies). 12-4 p.m. $9, $7 children. 2683 South Rd., Poughkeepsie. 845-454-4500 or www.lgny.org

RHINEBECK CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS A Christmas Carol Dec. 5-21: True, true — it’s not only the Cratchits who could use a little more of Scrooge’s dough this holiday season. But that shouldn’t stop you from catching this installment of the beloved Christmas parable, now in its sixth year at this venue. After all, few stories serve as a better reminder of what matters most come Christmas time — family and friends, not money or gifts. Right, kids? Right? Fri.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. $20, $18 children. 661 Rte. 308, Rhinebeck. 845-876-3080 or www.centerforperformingarts.org

TIMES UNION CENTER Disney on Ice Presents 100 Years of Magic Dec. 17-21: If Walt Disney was alive today, he’d turn 107 this month. Celebrate the Mouse man’s birthday by attending a skating show that features 65 of your favorite Disney characters, from the classics Walt himself created (like Mickey and Minnie) to modern-day stars like Buzz Lightyear and Nemo. Many of the ever-popular Disney princesses, such as Mulan and Belle from Beauty and the Beast, lace up their skates as well. Wed. & Fri. 7 p.m.; Thurs. 10:30 a.m. & 7 p.m.; Sat. 11 a.m., 3 & 7 p.m.; Sun. 1 & 5 p.m. $21-$56. 51 S. Pearl St., Albany. 518-487-2000 or www.timesunioncenter-albany.com

LYCIAN CENTRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Mooseltoe: A New “Moosical” Dec. 13: Meet Mooseltoe, a moose with long-shot dreams of flying alongside the reindeer on Santa’s sleigh (and Rudolph thought he and his big red nose had it tough). But when Blitzen falls ill right before takeoff, Santa needs a Christmas miracle to bring his gifts to the world’s children — and Mooseltoe may just be the arctic creature to provide it. For those looking for an alternative to the more familiar holiday classics, check out this eight-song, 16-character musical original. 10 a.m. & 12 p.m. $19, $14.25 under 18. Kings Highway, Sugar Loaf. 845-469-2287 or www.lyciancentre.com